Senior School

Collingwood’s commitment to Forward Focused Learning allowed us to build a unique trimester timetable that supports hands-on, experiential learning experiences for our students with opportunities for Global Education and deep learning outside of classrooms, including our innovative Collingwood U.

Collingwood’s University Guidance office commits to meeting with every senior student, every year. Utilizing a listen-first approach to advising, students and their families are encouraged to explore post-secondary options with curiosity and creativity. Ultimately, this helps our graduates find their best-fit program, community and future path.

ExL is Collingwood’s Experiential Learning program for all Grade 8 and 9 students. Designed to help students develop personal awareness and social responsibility, ExL uses a variety of learning experiences and is aligned with the Personal and Social Core Competency from the BC Curriculum. Activities include experiential education, collaborative initiatives, physical activities and service opportunities.

Encounter is a student-led retreat for senior school students to gain personal insight and spend time making new connections. Students are invited to apply as “candidates” to experience the program. After completing Encounter themselves, students can apply to be student leaders on subsequent trips. Encounter is often cited as one of the most formative and meaningful events in a Collingwood Graduate’s career.

At the Senior School, a variety of co-curricular activities are offered for students spanning the Four Strands of Academics, Arts, Athletics and Service Learning.  Co-curricular offerings are a great way for students to explore the world around them and to discover personal passions.

Community is one of our Collingwood values and as part of strengthening relationships with one another, we run Community Block programming throughout the course of the entire year. Unique to Collingwood, this dedicated time is allocated to build everyone’s sense of belonging and is woven through a diverse but intentional program that includes school initiatives, assemblies, EDI and SEL sessions, and team building activities. Assembled by “Houses”, our faculty and staff learn alongside senior students across all grades in an effort to model: the importance of pausing, to create authentic connections, and to improve a sense of belonging for everyone.